From the rearview mirror, I saw my then-9-year-old praying again. After mouthing “Amen,” she picked up my phone and dialed her best friend’s number. After the initial greeting, she lit up:

“OK, so I received my letter from the camp and have not opened it yet. Go get yours. As we decided, let’s open them together.”

“Please let me be in the same club, please let me be in the same club,” I heard my baby girl whisper.

She opened the letter and screamed: “Oh my goodness! I made it; I made it! I’m gonna cry!!”

I could hear the squealing on the other side of the line as her friend could not believe the news.

It’s no wonder they were surprised.

Thousands of kids register for this sought-after summer camp every year. After registration, campers are randomly assigned to one of four different clubs. Once placed in a club, children stay in the same house together and do most of the activities within the group. Naturally, our daughter wanted to stay in the same club as her best friend.

We received instructions not to request any particular club for our child, and we knew the likelihood of the girls staying in the same group was small. Therefore, for several weeks, the two girls agreed to pray that God would place them together. And so, he did.

After the conversation ended and my daughter returned my phone, I said:

“Well, it looks like you need to say a prayer of thanks, baby.”

She smiled: “I already have, Mom. What are the odds that we would be in the same club? God answered our prayers, no doubt!”

I knew this was an optimal opportunity to teach my child an important lesson on prayer:

“I believe God is showing you that there is no silly or small request that his children can ever make,” I told her. “As long as we obey and love Him, He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to ask.”

God delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to ask. @AJC #faith #rechargewednesday #linkup
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My daughter’s faith experience reminded me of a passage of Scriptures I read recently: The odd story of the floating ax head. We find the account in the sixth chapter of 2 Kings.

The prophet Elisha had taken a group of Israel’s prophets to the Jordan River, where they started to build a place to meet. During the construction, one of the prophets accidentally plunged an ax into the water. The tool was borrowed and valuable; therefore, the prophet became distressed by the incident.

When Elisha realized his friend’s anguish, he was moved and performed a simple miracle to help him: He cut a stick, threw it in the water, and made the iron float so his friend could retrieve it.

We find the account oddly placed as a standalone story between two great miracles performed by the prophet Elisha: Naaman’s healing and Israel’s miraculous victory over the Arameans. As one reads the story, it may seem strange that God would place such as minor incident between a couple of outstanding accounts.

But I believe it is not without reason.

The ax story is strategically positioned between two exceptional miracles as a reminder that the God who does the extraordinary also cares about the tiniest details in his children’s lives.

The God who does the extraordinary also cares about the tiniest details in his children’s lives. #faith #rechargewednesday #linkup
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Indeed, the One who has the power to raise Jesus from the dead also cares about our seemingly insignificant desires or concerns.

This Easter may find you celebrating the magnitude of an empty tomb with grave concerns that plague your heart. But to some, there may be a small desire that remains unfulfilled or an issue that you think is too small to bring before Heaven’s throne.

Remember, God does not see our problems or desires that way. He cares for details as small as a young girl’s summer camp club assignment as He does for the serious issues we face and the valleys we must cross.

Like in Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, as we trust God with our seemingly insignificant prayers, we grow the faith to believe Him for the power displayed in the empty tomb.

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{Interview & Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}

Listen to this interview with podcaster, entrepreneur, and author Misty Phillip, where she talks about her bible study, The Struggle Is Real, but so Is God, a study focused on how to keep strong faith through life’s hard circumstances. If you are reading this in your email, click HERE to listen. Read the column about this conversation below.

“Blessed be your name when the sun’s shining down on me; when the world’s all as it should be, blessed be your name. Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering; though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name.” — Matt Redman’s song “Blessed Be Your Name”

Job is the first of the poetic books in the Hebrew Bible and is believed to be the first written book of Scriptures. It tells the astounding story of a righteous man who was tested extensively and did not lose faith in God. It is a gripping story of loss and prosperity and offers a vast theological treatise about enduring faith and God’s sovereignty.

Even though some believe the book’s story to be an allegory, the prophet Ezekiel and the apostle James in the New Testament mention Job as a historical figure.

The very first chapter of the book sets the stage.

Job is a rich and blessed man who loves God with all his heart and obeys his commandments. The scene changes to a conversation between God and Satan, where the fallen angel claims that Job only trusted God because he was wealthy and prosperous.

And thus, Job’s trials began. For the following 42 chapters, we witness Job tested in every way. He lost all his children and all his possessions. His friends accused him. Painful sores covered his body, and his wife told him to curse God and die.

Through it all, Job’s response tells the reader that he was convinced of two absolutes: his innocence and God’s sovereignty. Even though he felt overwhelmingly depressed, he remained faithful.

While many tried to convince Job that God had abandoned him, his humility and trust in God’s unchanging faithfulness and limitless might paved the way to God’s final response: God rebuked his friends, and the drama ended with Job’s wealth, health, and happiness restored.

Is God still good, even when the worse happens?

The question has inevitably pierced the hearts of believers tested by prolonged trials through the ages, and the answer, I believe, paves the way to measure the steadfastness of one’s faith.

Earlier in February, I talked to podcaster and Bible teacher Misty Phillip about her Bible study “The Struggle is Real, but So is God.”

During our conversation, Phillip recounted her family’s many trials, including losing her baby boy, stillborn after years of infertility and miscarriages. There were years of overwhelming loss and hardships as Phillip and her husband cared for his parents with terminal brain tumors and the ongoing care of a special needs son.

As Phillip described the funeral of their stillborn baby, a solemn moment gripped my heart: The family held hands to say goodbye to their son while singing Matt Redman’s song, “Blessed Be Your Name.” Friends and family who had come to minister to the grieving family left the funeral encouraged by their steadfast courage and faith.

Trials brought them closer to God

This trial and many others brought the Phillips closer to God. Instead of cursing their maker, they chose to believe in his faithfulness and purpose in the valleys. And today, as she looks back, Phillip can testify how her response to life’s tragedies paved the way to minister to others through her growing ministry and Bible study.

I can relate. Misty and I have talked about how upside-down biblical faith can be. But when one understands that God does not allow anything to happen to his children that cannot work together for their eternal good and his glory, faith has lingering effects in one’s heart.

Like Job, we can only become overcomers if we press on. And like him, we cannot claim to have strong faith until it’s tested and tried by fire, and the measured heat purifies our hearts as God purposefully designed.

Find out more about Misty’s ministry and book at mistyphillip.com/. For the interview with Misty Phillip, visit bit.ly/3YuiIBh

Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, podcaster and international speaker. Website: www.soaringwithHim.com. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

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“I fear John Knox’s prayers more than an army of ten thousand men.” — Mary, Queen of Scotland

We find the story of King Jehoshaphat in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament. He was the son of King Asa and was known to follow many of his father’s positive actions.

But as his father, Jehoshaphat was also a king who often obeyed God partially. Even though he started a national religious education program and developed an extensive legal structure throughout the kingdom, he failed to destroy idolatry in the land. He also became involved with evil King Ahab through destructive alliances.

As ambiguous as this king’s actions were, his example of what to do when surrounded by enemies or facing hardships has inspired many believers throughout the church’s history.

In the 20th chapter of 2 Chronicles, we find King Jehoshaphat surrounded by a large army comprised of the Moabites and Ammonites — ancient enemies of the Jews. Judged by its size, the enemy army would destroy Judah overnight.

Surprisingly, Jehoshaphat did not summon his war council or prepare for battle when he heard about the impending destruction. Instead, Scriptures say that “(he) resolved to inquire of the Lord, and proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”

In the following verses, Jehoshaphat spells out a prayer that should serve as a model for everyone facing a giant. His prayer contains six elements that will anchor one’s heart when enemies or challenges threaten to steal our peace and shake our faith.

King Jehoshaphat started by magnifying God and declaring his greatness, acknowledging the unlimited power available to his children: “Lord, (…) are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.”

Secondly, Jehoshaphat recounted how God had promised the land to his people and gave them victory over powerful enemies in the past. To the listening crowd, their minds would remember God’s protection against Pharaoh, his presence and provision in the wilderness, and his deliverance in Jericho when a simple march of faithful believers brought down the mighty city’s walls.

Thirdly, the king boldly declared that God was the only one who could save them — the people would cry out in faith, knowing their God was listening.

Jehoshaphat then declared Judah’s hopelessness without God, boldly asked for his favor, and affirmed his total dependence upon God: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You – King Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:12
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God’s answer to his earnest prayer was immediate. The Spirit of the Lord came upon a Levite named Jahaziel who delivered God’s message: “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”

Do not fear or be dismayed (…), for the battle is not yours but God’s – 2 Chronicles 20:15
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Immediately after hearing God’s answer through Jahaziel, the king knew that his prayer was answered. He had no doubt. He promptly bowed down and worshipped God, thanking Him for a victory he could not yet see.

Recognition of God’s inexhaustible power. Remembrance of his faithfulness in the past. Declaration of complete dependence and trust in his love and grace. Recognition that we are hopeless in our situation, followed by bold, daring requests. And finally, the affirmation of our belief in the victory. That’s the recipe for effective prayers.

Jehoshaphat’s example reminds me to make my prayers more than just vain repetitions, to frame my heart to worship while praying, all the while trusting his unlimited power and unfailing love.

Yes. Such prayers pierce God’s heart and move him to fight the battles for his beloved children. And if the almighty God of the universe is for us, who or what will stand against us?

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday – October 22, 2022. Click HERE to view it on the AJC’s website.

One of Judah's controversial Kings teaches us six components of effective prayers. In my latest column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution @ajc #prayers
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The post 6 Components of Effective Prayers {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“The Spirit is the dove of peace who calms us, the gift giver who equips us, the river of living water who flows out of us to refresh the world.” Max Lucado – “Help Is Here”

Fifteen minutes into my conversation with New York best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado, I was surprised by how much I did not know about the beloved author. For starters, I was unaware that he had lived in my country, Brazil, for five years and speaks Portuguese with unlikely fluency for someone who has not practiced the language in over three decades.

Up to that point, our conversation felt like coffee with an old friend — lighthearted and patched with Portuguese sentences and references to the Brazilian culture, making it one of my favorite podcast interviews.

But it wasn’t until we started talking about Lucado’s spiritual journey that I realized our stories hold more than cultural and geographical commonalities. Like me, Lucado was raised in the church but did not experience a life-changing conversion until his 20s. Like me, Lucado faced times of broad spiritual and physical depletion after being in ministry for many years. Like me, he tried to carry a heavy load on his own, doing too much with little rest for far too long.

Lucado’s new book, “Help Is Here – Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit,” is the author’s first book on a subject that is often as mysterious as it is misconstrued. Conversely, the Bible contains more than 100 references to the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke more about the Holy Spirit than he did about marriage, church, finances and the future. However, many believers do not grasp the relevance and, more importantly, ample availability of the Holy Spirit to help them live victorious lives, regardless of their circumstances.

Max Lucado’s new book, 'Help Is Here – Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit,' is the author’s first book on a subject that is often as mysterious as it is misconstrued. @AJC @MaxLucado #HelpIsHere…
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Scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit in over a dozen ways. These metaphors convey the different aspects of the help given to believers when the Holy Spirit descended from heaven at Pentecost. He is called the Teacher, Wind of God, Counselor, Intercessor, Helper and Guide, to name a few. And yet, because there is often much misunderstanding, taboo, or simply neglect of teaching the subject, many believers live defeated, not realizing the boundless help available to them.

Because there is often much misunderstanding, taboo, or simply neglect of teaching on the Holy Spirit, many believers live defeated, not realizing the boundless help available to them. @AJC @MaxLucado #HelpIsHere #TheHolySpirit…
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But the truth is, when Jesus said he would not leave His followers alone, He meant what He said. It is a truth tested and proven by believers through the centuries: the very Power that made the universe is available to all believers who dare to ask for help, guidance and peace.

“It was not a Damascus Road experience for me,” Lucado recounted. He says that during a profound personal crisis, Lucado would get up during sleepless nights to pray. Nothing happened overnight, but slowly, burdens were lifted, miracles started happening, peace silenced fear, and clarity took over the stress. He realized the change was not happenstance. The promised Helper had intervened, bringing the serenity and strength he could not find anywhere else. The experience changed his life, and he wishes to share the concept with the world.

The very power that made the universe is available to all believers who dare to ask for help, guidance and peace. @AJC @MaxLucado #HelpIsHere #TheHolySpirit #HelpIsHereBook #MaxLucado
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“The Holy Spirit comes with power. Power to make good choices, keep promises, and silence the inner voices of fear and failure,” he said. “Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time. Power. This is what Jesus promised then, and this is what Jesus promises still.”

In a world filled with uncertainty and at a time when many feel burdened with stress and fear, “Help Is Here” offers fresh, practical guidance into a subject that was never meant to be mysterious but, rather, heaven’s tool for an abundant, purpose-filled life.

In a world filled with uncertainty and at a time when many feel burdened with stress and fear, Max Lucado's new book, 'Help Is Here' offers fresh, practical guidance into a subject that was never meant to be mysterious but, rather,…
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This article was initially published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Click HERE To find it on the AJC’s website.

Share this article on Social media, tag Patricia Holbrook, and enter for a chance to win a copy of HELP IS HERE

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Click on the graphic below to listen to Patricia’s interview with MAX LUCADO on the God-Sized stories podcast.

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The post ‘Help Is Here’ – Max Lucado’s New Book (Interview & Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

The quote scrolled across the TV screen while the leader talked. I immediately started thinking about the truth behind those words.

It was one week before the beginning of the new school year, and I knew it was time to practice some of the changes I had committed to making during the summer.

Let me rephrase it: It was time to start implementing some of the changes I felt God was instructing me to make.

Leave it to me, and I will keep doing things the same way I’ve always done. An innate doer, my fleshly tendency is to fill my calendar with activities and commitments without pausing to pray or think before agreeing to one more move. And I know I’m not alone.

Indeed, many people confuse doing or accomplishing more with great success.

Many people confuse doing or accomplishing more with great success. @AJC #Lessismore #MondayMotivation
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We confuse love for God with more service for God’s kingdom. Or we mistake excellent education for one more extra-curricular activity for our children. And so we add our name to one more committee … or sign Junior up for one more activity in his already overwhelming schedule.

In an age where simplicity is mistaken for lack of success, the world applauds when we step up and lead the charge.

In the meantime, marriages suffer because spouses are so involved in working and serving others that they don’t have time to nurture the most important relationship in their lives. Likewise, children often feel pressured to do more than their small bodies and minds can handle, and we, their parents, often feed the trend and inadvertently whisper to their hearts that more is always better.

There could not be anything farther from the truth. In reality, I believe busyness is one of the devil’s modern tools to prevent us from truly flourishing.

Business is one of the devil’s modern tools to prevent us from truly flourishing. @AJC #Lessismore #MondayMotivation
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Because the busier we are, the less time we have to, as the psalmist wrote in Psalm 46, “be still” to know God intimately, consequently finding his perfect will for our lives.

At the beginning of that summer several years ago, I found myself tired of the mess, running around, unhealthy meals, and overwhelming loss of joy in my life. My body, mind and spirit were hurting. My soul was malnourished, and I knew it was time to renew my mind and refashion my agenda.

That’s when God started working in my heart, convincing me that it was time to review my habits and commitments, rethink and reshape my family’s schedule.

Going against everything I’ve ever known, I even blocked an afternoon to rest (now, that was a first)! Most importantly, I started telling myself that missing an event or two was OK.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

The quote is not mine, but its simplicity rings as the truth behind my newfound direction and a renewed sense of peace.

It wasn’t easy, but I had to sit down and rethink my routines again and deliberately change my ways.

If you can relate, it may be time to stop accepting society’s hurried, meaningless rat race as your norm. More is not necessarily better. Instead, ask God to show you his will for your days. Take time to listen and breathe. And keep in mind that God’s will does not involve chaos, senseless stress and fear. His will is peace and order. As the apostle Paul wrote in his first epistle to the Corinthian church:

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

Keep in mind that God’s will does not involve chaos, senseless stress and fear. His will is peace and order. @AJC #Lessismore #MondayMotivation
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Nothing will change unless WE change. May we dare to say “no” to chaos and senseless busyness, lest we look back one day, only to realize that we wasted time building empty castles and nurturing the wrong things.

Nothing will change unless WE change. May we dare to say “no” to chaos and senseless busyness, lest we look back one day, only to realize that we wasted time building empty castles and nurturing the wrong things.
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This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, August 27. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

Have you listened to Patricia’s podcast God-Sized stories yet?

Enjoy interviews with Christian best-selling authors, movie directors and actors. Click on the graphic to listen on your preferred platform.

The post Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Early in the spring, I had the opportunity of interviewing Laureus “Sport for Good” Ambassador Grant Lottering. After reading about his extraordinary story, I was curious to meet the man who escaped death.

While training for the 2013 World Masters Championship in Italy, Lottering was pronounced dead after a horrific accident. He was revived on the scene and taken to the local hospital, where doctors worked strenuously to save his life. For the next 12 months, Lottering underwent 11 surgeries, only to receive a bleak cancer diagnosis shortly afterward.

By all accounts, Lottering should not be alive. And yet, not only did he survive against all odds, but only a year after the accident, he was back on his bike and working. He founded “Im’Possible Tours,” a nonprofit focused on raising funds for underprivileged children. This year, his tours support and raise awareness for Laurel’s “Sport for Good,” an organization that uses sports as the central means to combat youth violence, discrimination and disadvantages.

While talking to Lottering, it became evident that his faith was the bulwark that protected him and the engine that propelled him through a trial that would indeed have rendered many people utterly defeated.

During the long months of hospitalization, incredible pain and uncertainties, he made a deliberate effort to focus on God’s power and the times he delivered him in the past. Lottering kept looking back to move forward – a recipe well-known to believers who have faced fear and doubts while going through valleys.

Lottering kept looking back to move forward – a recipe well-known to believers who have faced fear and doubts while going through valleys. @MGLottering @AJC #Moveforward
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Not long ago, I recalled my conversation with Lottering while reading through the sixth chapter of the gospel of St. Mark. It is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages of the New Testament, where we find two of Jesus’ most outstanding miracles in scriptures.

After a most extraordinary event, when the master fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, the Bible says that he “immediately made his disciples get into a boat a go ahead of him to the other side of Bethsaida, (…)” while he left for the mountain to pray.

While in the boat, the disciples encountered a massive storm. Jesus saw that his friends were struggling and afraid and therefore came to their rescue, walking on water. It was miracle number two in less than 24 hours. Instead of feeling relief, fear overtook the disciples and completely blinded them. They did not recognize the master. Ultimately, Jesus got into the boat, and the wind stopped.

The sentence in the chapter that follows the incident gives me pause: “(the disciples) were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.”

It’s astonishing that the men following Jesus and witnessing his power for years had not gained any insight from the miracle that had just happened ashore, only hours before. Instead of anchoring their hearts on what Jesus had done in the past, they allowed fear to take over and became afraid.

Lottering is one example of a believer who conquered the impossible by focusing on God’s promises and his record of deliverance in the past instead of the storm that circled him. He overcame not because of his strength but because he kept his eyes on his master, believing there would be a purpose for his trial. He reminded his heart that the God who showed up numerous times in his past was the same who would walk him through the next chapter of his life victoriously.

Focus on God’s promises and his record of deliverance in the past instead of the storm that circles you. @MGLottering @AJC #MondayMotivation #Moveforward
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May Lottering’s story of victory through persevering faith, contrasted with the disciples’ memory lapse, inspire us to remember to “look back to move forward,” lest we become defeated by our trials instead of sensitive to the voice who longs to bring purpose from every pain.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 30th, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

Click on the graphic below to listen to the entire interview on the God-Sized stories podcast.

Click Below to watch the interview on Patricia’s YouTube channel:

The post Looking Back to Move Forward {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

A substantial part of the preaching of Jesus in the New Testament is recorded in parables. Parables tell a story, not about something that happens in real life, but a one-time fictitious event written in a simple, vivid way that engages the audience.

One cannot underestimate the importance of the parables in the gospels, especially since scholars generally regard them as words that we can confidently credit to the historical Jesus.

When Jesus spoke in parables, he did not create a new literary genre. Parables had a long tradition in Greek and Roman literacy and were employed by rhetoricians, politicians and philosophers. They were also used in Israel by wise men and women in the Old Testament and even rabbis who were Jesus’ contemporaries.

Because Jesus incorporated his core teachings in the parables, one can assert that they give us an authentic glimpse into the heart of Christianity. These fictitious stories translate the very foundations of a belief system that changed the course of history — a faith that values the condition of one’s heart over appearances, traditions and rituals.

Because Jesus incorporated his core teachings in the parables, one can assert that they give us an authentic glimpse into the heart of Christianity. @AJC #TheGreatestInheritance #Kingdomfirst #Mondaymotivation
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In the 12th chapter of the gospel of St. Luke, we find one such story in the “Parable of the Rich Fool.” According to the narrative, someone in the crowd asked Jesus: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

It was a common practice at the time to bring issues such as these to a rabbi for deliberation. Instead of addressing the problem, Jesus challenged the man with the true motives behind the request: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

The master then started telling the story of a rich man preoccupied with growing his crops and estate, having pleasure and happiness, at the expense of everything else. He lived for his possessions and indulgences, disregarding God and others.

In the end, God knew that the man’s days were numbered, and all his striving was in vain: “(God) said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’”

I recently remembered the invaluable lesson within this parable while watching the Boylan sister’s latest movie, “The Greatest Inheritance.” In the story, the Dubose clan’s mother hides her last will on the family property before her death. To inherit the family’s fortune, the four estranged Dubose siblings must embark on an odd scavenger hunt to find the will. The child who finds it inherits the entire estate.

The story may sound unlikely, but it indeed served as the perfect background to develop a story filled with rich spiritual content. In the movie, it becomes clear that the deceased mother was a strong believer who raised her children to prioritize God. As they started their careers, however, their priorities changed.

Eventually, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness quickly altered the family dynamic and their relationship with God. The mother’s last attempt at healing her family comes from the grave. The scavenger hunt reveals the siblings’ weaknesses and unresolved animosities, pushing them to remember their roots when God and family came before success and possessions.

While watching the movie, I could not help but think about how money often exposes the truth behind people’s character and priorities. Indeed, many family relationships change when inheritance or other financial issues are involved.

Money often exposes the truth behind people’s character and priorities. @AJC #Kingdomfirst #greed #Mondaymotivation
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Jesus’ words to the greedy brother echo as a reminder that life is more precious than any possession, and God’s favor is more valuable than precious stones.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” Jesus, the gospel of St. Luke.

Life is more precious than any possession, and God’s favor is more valuable than precious stones. @AJC #Kingdomfirst #greed #Mondaymotivation
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This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

Click on the graphic below to listen to the entire interview on the God-Sized stories podcast.

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LINKUP PARTY opens on 07/20 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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LINKUP is open! Today, a look into the parable of the Rich Fool reminds us that relationships and God's favor are more valuable than any material possession. Join us and share your blog!
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I watched in awe as player No. 7 at the other side of the net jumped to hit the ball. “Flawless,” I said to myself. There was no better word to describe the 15-year-old’s technique and precision.

I counted the number of Division 1 school volleyball coaches watching her intently – eight coaches from around the country took notes after her every kill. My daughter’s team’s defense helplessly scrabbled to stop her. As a parent, it was undoubtedly hard to witness the defeat. As a coach, I took mental notes and marveled at the beautifully synchronized team on the other side of the net.

Four days later, at the end of the National Volleyball tournament, I discovered that No. 7′s team ended up third in the nation.

No. 7 was among numerous kids that stood out by their stature and athletic abilities during the national competition. Their moves on the court, vertical jump, or speed to the ball indeed reveal years of focused training and dedication.

As I walked around the venue, my 5′5″ frame was dwarfed by 6-foot-tall (plus) girls from all 50 states and territories. But as much as I enjoy watching their graceful jumps and precise hits over the net, the smaller-sized hitters always capture my heart. Indeed, watching an average-height girl soar above the net on an impressive vertical jump, overcoming her naturally small stature, always brings a smile to my face. Because I know it too well – it takes years of arduous training to rise above one’s physical limitations – no pun intended.

Whether in business, sports, or any challenging task we encounter in life, hurdles are certainly one of the reasons many people give up on their dreams. Some see hurdles as mountains, giving them power and thus determining they cannot be overcome.

Some people see hurdles as mountains, giving them power and thus determining they cannot be overcome. @AJC #limitations #motivation #mindset #inspiration #success #goals #fitness #believe
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But others see them for what they truly are: obstacles or detours on the way to our goals – not insurmountable mountains. They know their limitations but don’t let them define them. They set their eyes on the destination and keep moving, conquering the mountain by hard work and faith.

The story takes an entirely new connotation when we add God to the equation because we know our limitations do not constrain God. When faith enters our conquests, we understand that the One who spoke the stars into existence is by our side, and He’s the God of the impossible. He gives power to the weak and capability to the lowly. He is all-powerful and desires to enable his children to accomplish their dreams and God-given goals.

When faith enters our conquests, we understand that the One who spoke the stars into existence is by our side, and He’s the God of the impossible. @AJC #limitations #motivation #mindset #inspiration #success #goals #fitness #believe
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More than a can-do attitude, those who allow faith to push them through their limit have an added asset that cannot be overlooked. Their capabilities may be ordinary. Their stature may be less than impressive, yet, because of their hard work and faith in a God who can do more than they can ask for, they can reach the stars. They take the first step, trembling, not ignoring how inadequate they genuinely are but planting their hearts on who they know their God to be.

Maybe you’re facing that hurdle. Your heart wants to soar to new heights. You dream of that next step in your career, degree, or scholarship to play your beloved sport at college. If that is you, and you know God is on your side, look at the obstacles and see them for what they truly are: tiny pebbles compared to the strength and power of almighty God.

If you know God is on your side, look at the obstacles and see them for what they truly are: tiny pebbles compared to the strength and power of Almighty God. @AJC #limitations #motivation #mindset #inspiration #success #goals #fitness …
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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Prophet Isaiah

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 9th, 2022.

The post Limitations Should Not Determine Your Destiny {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Gaither Music Group is known worldwide for its award-winning recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series. It is one of the world’s largest independent Christian music companies and a household name for millions of fans. Their Gaither Homecoming videos showcase gospel music pioneers, many of which are the most renowned performers in the gospel genre.

I have enjoyed their “Gaither Homecoming” videos for many years.

Some time ago, my husband and I watched one of their recordings when the show paused for an interview with Vestal Goodman. Goodman died in 2003 after a longstanding career in the Southern gospel genre for over half a century.

During the interview, the late singer was asked what advice she would give aspiring gospel singers. Without hesitation, she quickly replied in her sweet Southern accent:

“I tell the young people who want to sing for Jesus: If you don’t keep God in it, you might as well hang it up and go get you a job in the grocery store. It ain’t gonna work. It just plain ain’t gonna work.”

Her words made me smile. Because truth be told, sometimes we may be so caught up in our “kingdom work” that we forget why we serve in the first place. Likewise, we may get so focused on making our work for the kingdom prosper that we forget that success “God’s way” doesn’t necessarily mean that our books hit the New York Times bestselling list.

Sometimes we may be so caught up in our “kingdom work” that we forget why we serve in the first place. @AJC #Reasontoserve #serveGod #Kingdomwork
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It is something to ponder, indeed. How many “kingdom workers” strive so hard to do “great things for God” that they forget that we are not the masters — we are mere instruments when it comes to kingdom work. God is the designer, maestro, and planner and, therefore, responsible for growing our reach as we faithfully do our assigned work.

Indeed, if we know God has called us to serve him, we should trust him to open doors and grow our sphere of influence. He knows the right timing and when we are ready to receive more. When our hearts are in the right place, and at the right time, he opens doors that no one can close and shuts doors that no one can open. That’s His responsibility.

When our hearts are in the right place, and at the right time, God opens doors that no one can close and shuts doors that no one can open. That’s His responsibility.
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Our responsibility is not to strive to do more or be more. Our commitment should be to obey our calling and keep our priorities in check: God first, then family, and next, ministry.

It is not uncommon that these priorities become jumbled when we try to do God’s work our way.

It’s a chilling thought because what good does one’s ministry do if their family is hurting. Worse yet, what is the use of having the applause of men if Heaven is silent because we didn’t serve for the right reasons?

Oh, may it never be!

I’d rather have my children desire to know God because my work for Him did not rob them of precious time with me, than resent Him because my “kingdom” work kept me away from them.

I’d rather have people want to know God because of my faith rather than because of eloquent words I might speak or write.

Instead, I’d take the brunt of the criticism, as I stand for God’s truth rather than have multitudes follow me, and yet know that God looks away because I chose compromise over obedience and men’s approval over His heart.

I’d take the brunt of the criticism, as I stand for God’s truth rather than have multitudes follow me, and yet know that God looks away because I chose compromise over obedience and men’s approval over His heart.
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I’d rather have Jesus. I’d rather have family.

May we never forget that the growth is not ours to keep, anyway. It’s meant to be for God’s glory. We are mere stewards of His gifts.

As Vestal Goodman beautifully put it: If it’s not from God, and it’s not for Him, may we never want it, anyway.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

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LINKUP is open! In my latest @ajc's column, a reflection on getting lost in the right priorities when serving God. Join us and share your blog!
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I shook my head in disbelief as I read the news shared in the group text.

A dear friend is fighting for her life at the hospital, and as I reached out to my close friends to ask for prayers, they shared about two other acquaintances from my previous church who are also in critical condition.

My heart sank. These friends did not have any known health concerns until a couple of weeks ago. They are full of life, still young, and some of the godliest people I know.

Since then, my friends are constantly in my mind and prayers. Their families’ lives have turned upside down with a phone call, and I know what they’re going through all too well. I can’t do anything about their tragedy, but I can undoubtedly touch heaven for them as I pray for healing, peace, comfort, and strength for their families.

I believe one of the hardest things when tragedies strike, is to try to understand why God allows them. Tragedy never makes sense. Why does a newborn die? Why are hospitals filled with young children fighting cancer? Why is my beautiful, bigger-than-life friend fighting for her life? Why did my brother-in-law’s plane crash on that sunny day ten years ago? Why?

I believe one of the hardest things when tragedies strike, is to try to understand why God allows them. @AJC #Tragedy #loss #faith
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We hopelessly try to wrap our minds around tragic events, hoping to find meaning in the seemingly meaningless, trying to keep our faith in a God that allows tragedy to happen.

The Apostle Paul wrote about that persevering faith in his letter to the Romans when he penned down one of the most repeated verses in the New Testament:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Hindsight is 20/20, and indeed, those who have pressed on through trials by faith, trusting God even when life does not make sense, can testify to having found hope and purpose from their deepest valleys.

Hindsight is 20/20, and indeed, those who have pressed on through trials by faith, trusting God even when life does not make sense, can testify to having found hope and purpose from their deepest valleys. @AJC #faith #loss #tragedy
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Many are the men and women who have started foundations to help people who suffer from the same disease that killed their loved ones. Many are the people who have helped others walk through the shadows of divorce, financial loss, and death because of their personal experiences in the valley. Like me, many are those who understand the pain of a cancer diagnosis or a loved one’s sudden death.

Empathy is a beautiful thing. Humanitarian efforts would not be the same were it not for the empathy that only personal pain can bring. There is a purpose for each tragedy – if only to make us more human, more sensitive to our fellow men’s suffering, mold us and make us living proofs that God can turn our ashes into something beautiful.

There is a purpose for each tragedy – if only to make us more human, more sensitive to our fellow men's suffering, mold us and make us living proofs that God can turn our ashes into something beautiful. @AJC #faith #loss #tragedy
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The challenge is to keep pressing on by faith, never giving up on God, trusting that he is still good, even when the worst happens. Because, at the end of the day, if we trust that our God is indeed good, then we can affirm that he will make everything work together for our good and his glory. It’ll be for our good when our lives gain a new purpose because we suffered. It’ll be for his glory when others see his love reflected in the gestures of our hands and in the love that we extend to our hurting neighbors.

Pray for those who suffer. Reach out to those going through that all too familiar valley you have traveled before. Love them. Encourage them. There’s a reason for your paths crossing. If only so that you pray with the passion of a heart that has walked that same valley and landed safely on the other side by God’s grace.

Did this article touch your heart? Would you like to share your experience with me or ask me to pray for you? Please send me an email at pholbrook@soaringwithhim.com or write a comment below, and I promise to write back!

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, May 21st, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

Have you subscribed to Patricia’s podcast yet? Listen to wonderful interviews with Christian actors, directors and authors – Francine Rivers, Lee Strobel, among others!

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LINKUP is open! In my latest @AJC column – there is always a purpose in every trial in the lives of God's children. Join us and share your blog!
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The post Finding Purpose in Personal Tragedy {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.